Schuss Mountain is Bellaire's ski hill and one of the best-loved in the Lower Peninsula. It's part of Shanty Creek Resorts, just outside town, and it's big enough for a full weekend without the lift lines of the bigger northern Michigan resorts. Here's what to know for the 2026–27 season.
Schuss Mountain at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire, Michigan |
| Trails | 42 |
| Lifts | 7 |
| Terrain parks | 2 |
| Vertical drop | About 450 feet |
| Night skiing | Wednesday through Saturday, plus holidays |
| 2026–27 season | Daily skiing projected December 17, 2026 to March 22, 2027 |
2026–27 season dates
Shanty Creek's projected dates for this season:
- November 27, 2026: opens for season pass holders only, if conditions allow
- December 17, 2026: daily skiing begins
- December 26, 2026: night skiing begins
- March 22, 2027: projected closing day
Holiday periods are December 26 to January 2, January 16–17 (MLK weekend) and February 13–14 (Presidents' Day weekend). These are the busiest dates and the first to book up for lodging.
All dates depend on snow and weather, so check Shanty Creek's hours page before you go.
Hours and night skiing
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9am – 4:30pm |
| Monday and Tuesday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Wednesday through Saturday | 9am – 9pm |
| Holidays | 9am – 9pm (MLK and Presidents' Day Mondays close at 4:30pm) |
Night skiing runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings. A night-only ticket covers 5pm to 9pm, which makes a great first evening if you arrive midweek.
Lift tickets and passes
- Kids 8 and under and skiers 70+ ski for a flat $10 all season.
- Magic Carpet-only tickets for beginners are $10 for any age.
- Juniors (9–12) and teens (13–17) pay less than adults.
- Night-only tickets cover 5pm to 9pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
- Season passes (SuperPass) include unlimited skiing at Schuss and free use of the Nordic trails. They're cheapest when bought before the season starts.
- Midweek pass: a SuperSaver pass is good Monday through Friday (excluding the Christmas holiday week).
- Indy Pass: Shanty Creek offers the Indy Pass as an add-on to its season pass.
Check current ticket prices and daily specials before buying.
Lessons and rentals
Shanty Creek runs a ski and snowboard school with children's programs, private lessons and adult beginner lessons, and rents skis and snowboards at the mountain. With the $10 Magic Carpet ticket, it's an inexpensive place to learn. Book lessons ahead on holiday weekends.
Beyond downhill: tubing and Nordic
- Alpine tubing runs at Summit Mountain, also part of Shanty Creek, on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-December to mid-March. Reservations are available online.
- Nordic trails at Schuss Village open around December 26, for cross-country skiing. SuperPass holders use them free, and there's a cross-country-only pass. See our guide to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing near Bellaire.
- Snowshoe tours are also offered at the resort.
Want to ski more than one hill? Boyne Mountain is about 30 miles away, and The Highlands and Nub's Nob make an easy day trip. See our guide to ski resorts near Bellaire.
Après-ski in Bellaire
After the lifts close, downtown Bellaire is about ten minutes away. Short's Brewing Company's original pub is the classic stop for a beer and dinner. Or head back to your rental for the hot tub. Every home we host near Schuss has one.
Where to stay near Schuss Mountain
Staying close to the hill means more runs and less winter driving. Northwoods Treehaus is at Schuss Mountain Resort, about five minutes from the slopes, and Alm Haus is about five minutes away too. Both come with hot tubs, ski storage and Shanty Creek pool access. More in our guide to vacation rentals near Schuss Mountain.
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
When does Schuss Mountain open for 2026–27?
Daily skiing is projected to begin December 17, 2026, with an early opening for season pass holders on November 27 if conditions allow. Closing day is projected for March 22, 2027.
Does Schuss Mountain have night skiing?
Yes. Night skiing runs Wednesday through Saturday until 9pm, plus holidays, starting December 26, 2026.
How much is a lift ticket for kids at Schuss?
Kids 8 and under ski for a flat $10 all season. Juniors and teens pay less than adults.
How many runs does Schuss Mountain have?
42 trails served by 7 lifts, plus 2 terrain parks.
Is Schuss Mountain on the Indy Pass?
Shanty Creek offers the Indy Pass as an add-on to its season pass. Check Indy Pass for current partner details.
Where is Schuss Mountain?
At Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan, about 45 minutes from Traverse City.
Sources
Season dates, hours and ticket details from Shanty Creek Resorts for the 2026–27 season. Vertical drop from OnTheSnow. Checked October 2026. Dates are projections and depend on conditions.